Visit the North Gate historical site.

QĐND Online - Located on Phan Dinh Phung street, the Northern Gate historical site is one of the important sites within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. It is a significant destination for both domestic and international tourists visiting the capital city.

The Northern Gate, also known as Chính Bắc Môn, is an original relic from the Nguyễn Dynasty, built in 1805 using mainly recycled materials from the Lê Dynasty. According to some French photographs from the late 19th century, outside the Northern Gate there was a moat running around the citadel, modeled after traditional Eastern fortifications. The path leading to the top of the Northern Gate was built of earth with steps. On top, the Nguyễn Dynasty's officials and soldiers positioned several gun emplacements and cannons to defend the citadel, and there were also soldiers patrolling and guarding. The city walls were built of stone in a parabolic arch style. The Northern Gate is 8.7m high, 17m wide, and 20.48m thick. The gate faces north, slightly west (15 degrees), is trapezoidal in shape, with an arched interior built of brick, and a rectangular stone border. Above the main arch is a plaque carved in green stone bearing the three Chinese characters "Chính Bắc Môn" (Chính Bắc Gate). Some researchers suggest that the construction method of the Northern Gate also shares some similarities with the construction of the arched gates of the Ho Dynasty citadel in Thanh Hoa.

This is where a section of a city wall built with large bricks during the Le Dynasty was discovered.

In 1998, at the Cua Bac site, at depths of 1.66m and 2.20m, archaeologists discovered traces of a section of a Le Dynasty city wall built of stone and brick, with a foundation 1.2m thick. The area still holds many valuable archaeological treasures. This is the only remaining city gate of Hanoi from the Nguyen Dynasty.

Besides the main facade, one can easily spot a deep gouge carved into the wall. This is a testament to the artillery assault by the French colonialists during the second invasion of Hanoi in 1882 and the resistance of our army and people. In that battle, Governor-General Hoang Dieu bravely commanded the people and army of Hanoi to fight and defend the citadel.

The North Gate historical site.

The Northern Gate historical site is associated with the names of two governors-general, Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu.

Governor-General Nguyen Tri Phuong was born in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien province. Before the French colonialists occupied Vietnam, Nguyen Tri Phuong often focused on economic development and people's welfare. He was concerned with land reclamation, establishing villages and plantations in the Vinh Te canal area. During this time, he held the position of Grand Academician of the Eastern Pavilion.

Governor-General Hoàng Diệu was from Điện Bàn district, Quảng Nam province. He was born into a scholarly family with many members who passed examinations. He held many official positions. In 1880, Hoàng Diệu assumed the position of Governor-General of Hà Ninh, organizing the defense of Hanoi and caring for the people's lives.

In the two battles to defend the citadel, Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu demonstrated a heroic and selfless fighting spirit for the greater good.

The first attack took place at the end of 1873, commanded by Governor-General Nguyen Tri Phuong. On May 27, 1873, Nguyen Tri Phuong led troops from Son Tay to defend Hanoi. After numerous threatening letters from Dupuis demanding his surrender, Francis Garnier ordered the capture of Hanoi around 6:00 AM on November 20, 1873. Nguyen Tri Phuong stationed 5,000 troops inside the citadel, but their weapons were outdated. Two gunboats, Espingole and Scorpion, on the Red River, under the command of Lieutenant Bany, fired cannons from 1,200 yards away. Lieutenant Bany led the navy to attack the Southwest Gate, while Francis Garnier led the marines to attack the Southeast Gate, the main gate of Hanoi. After only an hour of fighting, Hanoi fell. Governor-General Nguyen Tri Phuong was seriously wounded and taken to his residence. The enemy, taking advantage of the situation, stormed the citadel, captured him, and took him captive. They tried to treat him, but he resolutely refused to eat and wouldn't let them apply medicine to his wounds. Exactly one month later, Nguyen Tri Phuong passed away. To express his sorrow, Emperor Tu Duc personally wrote the eulogy with profound emotion. His name is enshrined in the Trung Liet Temple as a shining example for generations to come.

These are the marks left by artillery fire from the French army on the Hanoi citadel during the second attempt to capture it.

The second battle to defend Hanoi is associated with Governor-General Hoang Dieu. On the morning of April 25, 1882, Hangri Rivie sent an ultimatum to Hoang Dieu demanding the dismantling of all defensive fortifications and the surrender of the citadel. At 8 a.m. that day, the French opened fire on the North Gate and attacked all other gates. Hoang Dieu personally led the battle. Suddenly, the gunpowder depot caught fire, and the French took advantage of the opportunity to climb over the West Gate, breaching it and pouring into the citadel. In this unequal battle, unable to resist, Hanoi fell. Knowing he could no longer resist, he went to the royal palace to write a farewell letter to Emperor Tu Duc, then went to the Vo Mieu temple and committed suicide by tying his headscarf to preserve his honor. Hoang Dieu's patriotic spirit and integrity serve as a shining example for many generations of Vietnamese people to follow.

Currently, the watchtower at the North Gate historical site houses shrines dedicated to two governors, Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu, who bravely commanded the army and people of Hanoi when the city fell into the hands of the French.

With its profound historical value and significance, the Northern Gate relic will be a destination for those who want to experience traditional tourism, a place to remember the contributions of the two Governors-General Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu in the defense of Hanoi.
Source: https://hanoi.qdnd.vn/van-hoa-the-thao/ghe-tham-di-tich-cua-bac-474091